The Savannah of Petrifications and Anse Trabaud

de fr

A hike in a stunning, semi-desert setting by the sea. Opportunity for a good swim on a quiet beach. A great way to combine the pleasures of walking and the beach.

Details

n°93127
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.31 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 17 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 17 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 19 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 0 m
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Description of the walk

Start at the Grande Terre car park, located between Anse des Salines and Anse à Prunes, in Sainte-Anne. From the village of Sainte-Anne, take the D9 towards Salines beach. When you reach the beach, take the track on the left. Pass Pointe des Salines and head for the car park near a picnic area.

(S/E) Continue along the track towards the east, through scrubland, and follow Anse à Prunes at a distance. When the terrain becomes clearer, look for a bridge on your right that crosses the river coming from the Étang des Salines.

(1) Cross the river. N.B. In January 2023, this required entering the water. Only cross if you are certain that the water level is low enough! Continue east, staying close to the coast. Pass the Anse de l'Écluse and then the Anse Braham to reach the Pointe d'Enfer (beautiful view).

(2) Head north, staying more or less close to the coast.

(3) The path turns north-east and runs along the beach at Anse Trabaud. Continue to the end of the cove or stop before reaching the beach, as you wish.

(4) Retrace your steps to the south-western end of the beach.

(3) Do not take the same path you took on the way there, which stays close to the coast, but take a path that branches off to the right, keeping to the foot of the Morne des Pétrifications.

(5) Continue south-west through the middle of the Savane des Pétrifications. You will reach the bridge you crossed on the way there.

(1) Cross the bridge, walk along the cove at Prunes and return to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 2 m - Grande Terre car park - Plage de la Grande Terre des Salines
  2. 1 : km 0.7 - alt. 0 m - Bridge over the river coming from the Etang des Salines
  3. 2 : km 1.71 - alt. 19 m - Pointe d'Enfer
  4. 3 : km 2.8 - alt. 4 m - South-western end of Anse Trabaud beach
  5. 4 : km 3.92 - alt. 1 m - Plage de l'Anse Trabaud
  6. 5 : km 5.83 - alt. 9 m - Savane des Pétrifications
  7. S/E : km 7.31 - alt. 2 m - Grande Terre car park - Plage de la Grande Terre des Salines

Notes

One of the sunniest and driest places in Martinique! It is essential to bring sun protection: hat or cap, sunglasses, sun cream, etc., depending on your sensitivity.

For the same reasons, bring sufficient water supplies.

Walking or sports shoes are necessary. The actual walking time is around 2 to 2½ hours. The total time of the hike obviously depends on how long you stay at the beach.

Bring a swimsuit and towel for Trabaud Cove. There are rip currents, so please be careful when swimming.

Be aware of the trigonocéphale snake.

This hike was completed twice by the author, the first time on 2 October 1983 and the second on 27 November 1983.

Worth a visit

The Savane des Pétrifications (Petrified Savannah) is so named because of the abundance of fossilised wood that used to be found there. These remains were looted long ago and little trace of them remains... Geology enthusiasts and the simply curious can download sheet no. 18 of the National Geological Heritage of the Department of Martinique.

South of the Salines pond, at the "Observatoire" sign on the 1:25,000 IGN map, there is a discovery trail on stilts around the pond and mangrove swamp, with information panels: an excellent opportunity to explore a natural environment that is generally inaccessible.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 33 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.4 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
MarionZ
MarionZ

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 31, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

We set off from the large saltwater cove, which meant an extra 2 km on a somewhat muddy road.
Crossing the bridge is not easy because the footbridge is incomplete. The rocks are a bit slippery and the sand is more like mud. One person lost both their flip-flops! The water was up to our waists!
The path to Anse Trabaud is very easy. Swimming is possible, but there is some sargassum and posidonia.
The return via the actual Petrification Trail is not marked and goes in all directions. We ended up in the salt marsh, which we followed to get back to the bridge.
You really need to follow the Visorandonneur trail and not follow the tracks in the trampled grass.
A lovely, easy walk; walking sandals are perfectly adequate.
Marion

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Sandrine__99
Sandrine__99

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 31, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike in a rocky landscape, different from the rest of Martinique, with cacti, creeping plants and shrubs.
The path runs along the coast, at the edge of the cliffs. On the way back, you pass through the interior of the island: this is not a busy route, as hikers tend to return by the same path.
You can swim at Anse Trabaud, near the car park, but be aware of Sargassum at the start of the cove.
At the start, the bridge is unusual as it does not cover the entire width of the water! On one side, the rocks are in the water and slippery: the easiest way is to walk through the water next to the bridge.

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User 26021549

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The Salines beach is magnificent and is the starting point for the hike. When we reached the Salines pond, we were able to observe the great egret. The trail is then very interesting. However, the scourge of sargassum covers the bays that follow until the end. The last cove is so covered that the stench is strong. We came across a mongoose at a bend in the trail that led into the coastal forest. On the way back, we were surprised to find that the tide had come in and we could no longer wade across the rocks. The water was murky, so we didn't really want to go in! But we managed to cross without any further problems. All in all, it's a very interesting trail and the Salines beach is well worth a visit.

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Annie27
Annie27

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

This is a very popular hike to do in the morning because of the heat. The landscape is something you might not expect to see in Martinique. Be careful when crossing the river. There is a bridge, but it doesn't span the entire length, so crossing can be difficult depending on the water level. Good shoes, a hat and water are essential.

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Mitch 55
Mitch 55
• Edited:

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Beautiful, very popular hike. No swimming due to heavy swells.
The return route of the loop is not easy to find, as the markings are poor.
water, a hat and good shoes are essential.
The bridge crossing is tricky. Take care

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Géraldine et Mickael
Géraldine et Mickael

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Beautiful hike
The only slight downside is crossing the bridge
Some people have injured themselves because access is difficult after heavy rain
It's better to get wet and cross the river

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liloxk
liloxk
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful walk in a surprising landscape. Quite a few people, but we had a lovely break almost alone at Anse Trabaud.
The return route was nice but almost impossible to find without the app, which added a bit of adventure to the trip.

Plan to leave from the indicated starting point, parking your car as far away as possible. If you park at Les Salines, the beginning is paved and uninteresting.
However, don't miss the little loop (before or after!) to discover the mangrove swamp at the eastern end of Les Salines beach.

Be careful, the ford is quite variable depending on the tides: on the way there, it's a bit tricky but you can stay dry on the stones... on the way back, you'll get a nice splash when you try to cross the stones, which are very slippery!

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Dom (50)
Dom (50)

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike with varied and exotic scenery.
Slight difference in distance from what was indicated despite following the route (11.57 km compared to 7.31 km on the app)

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Angelik57
Angelik57

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very little signage or none that was very visible apart from the posts.
The return route via the alternative route was very poorly signposted and we ended up in the pond... luckily it was dry
Magnificent landscapes.
Be careful at the edge of the cliffs. Respect the restrictions.
You still have to cross the river, with a patch of quicksand to the left of the rocks.

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MathSPC62
MathSPC62

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

An easy hike that reveals stunning landscapes, not to be missed.
I do this hike every time I visit Martinique. The landscapes are superb and varied.
Starting from Les Salines, you have to cross a ford over pebbles, which is not always passable when the water level is high (especially during the wet season – the pebbles are dry in April). Another option, if you want to avoid this, is to do the walk in reverse, starting from Anse Trabaud (parking available).
This will allow you to turn back before reaching the ford.
A hat is highly recommended. Bring water as it is often hot and much of the route is exposed.

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nicger
nicger

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 11, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very tricky river crossing. Otherwise, a varied and interesting hike

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CFletcher
CFletcher

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 30, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Route taken from the roundabout at the entrance to Ste Anne to Les Salines beach. The start of the route is uninteresting; it is better to drive to Anse Trabaut if possible (the road is in poor condition). Beautiful views, easy going overall. Very busy.
However, the arrival at Les Salines is very pleasant.

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cristtoff
cristtoff

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 03, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Apart from crossing the river, there were no difficulties apart from the heat, so it was essential to stay hydrated. The scenery is magnificent

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Karine Nojay
Karine Nojay

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 27, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful, easy hike with a pleasant swim on an almost deserted beach upon arrival at Anse Trabaud.

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ZILN
ZILN

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 13, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The hike is exactly as described. Be sure to bring waterproof shoes, water bottles and a hat!

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